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11 Best Beef Dog Foods in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Dogster Team

11 Best Beef Dog Foods in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

dog owner feeding her pet the farmer's dog foodThere are different aspects to consider when looking at food for your dog. There is your dog’s specific daily nutrition needs to consider, which are all determined by its breed, age, and any ailments it may be suffering from.

When looking at dog foods, it’s important to create criteria in order to nail down the best pick. Common factors include brand trustworthiness, nutritional label details, and customer reviews. It also helps to take a look at the amount and type of protein, and fat, and whether the meal additives may irritate your dog’s stomach.

Common additives include things like corn, soy, wheat, grain, and gluten. Lean beef is not only safe for dogs to eat, but it’s an excellent source of protein and also provides a number of different vitamins and minerals that the dog needs for optimal health. Let’s take a look at the best beef dog foods currently available.

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A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer's Dog Beef Dog Food The Farmer's Dog Beef Dog Food
  • Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
  • Ships for free in 48 states
  • Meals are pre-portioned based on criteria you give
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food
  • Has 23 essential vitamins
  • Comprehensive nutrient profile
  • Affordable
  • Third place
    Hill's Science Diet Beef & Vegetable Stew Hill's Science Diet Beef & Vegetable Stew
  • Contains real beef
  • Tasty brown gravy
  • Full nutrient profile
  • Purina Pro Plan Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food Purina Pro Plan Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food
  • High-protein beef
  • Antioxidants and minerals
  • Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
  • Stella & Chewy's Perfectly Puppy Dinner Patties Stella & Chewy's Perfectly Puppy Dinner Patties
  • Immune system support
  • High-protein recipe
  • Chia seeds and green mussels
  • The 11 Best Beef Dog Foods

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Beef Dog Food – Best Overall

    The Farmer's Dog

    Our 1st-place best overall pick for dog food goes to The Farmer’s Dog beef dog food. With food that is so nutritious, fresh, and USDA-approved that pet owners themselves could eat it, Farmer’s Dog beef dog food towers above the competition. It contains only human-grade beef and vegetables. This food is not only fresh but contains no preservatives or fillers.

    The Farmer’s Dog ships for free in 48 states, and their meals are formulated by veterinary nutritionists. The Beef Dog Food is not your average commercial offering. It is fresh food made with beef and veggies such as lentils, sweet potatoes, bok choy, kale, and broccoli.

    All meals are pre-portioned to fit your dog’s particular needs. This is decided by your dog’s breed, weight, age, and activity level when you sign up for the subscription service. Once you sign up, the food will be delivered to your door, and you can pause or cancel anytime without a problem.

    The only drawback we could see to The Farmer’s Dog Beef dog food is that it takes up quite a bit of space in your freezer and fridge because it has to be stored, then thawed. However, it is well worth it when your dog gobbles the food up every time and begs for more.

    If you’re a pet owner who enjoys feeding your dog home-cooked, human-grade meals but don’t have the time or energy to do it yourself, The Farmer’s Dog Beef Dog Food is a great substitute, and your dog will love it.

    Pros
    • Contains human-grade beef and vegetables
    • Ships for free in 48 states
    • Meals are pre-portioned based on the criteria you give
    • Meals are formulated by vet nutritionists
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Takes up freezer and fridge space

    2. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food – Best Value

    Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Water, Liver, Meat By-Products
    Protein Content: 9% min
    Fat Content: 6% min
    Calories: 1169 kcal/kg

    This high-protein meal is our pick for the best beef dog food for the money due to its affordable price and nutritional profile. This meal is made with real beef and seems to receive excellent feedback from owners as a chosen pick by their pups.

    It has a pate texture and is great for dogs who prefer wet food over dry meal options. The recipe is complete with 23 essential vitamins and nutrients and offers dogs a well-balanced source of daily nutrition. The downside is that wet dog food is more perishable than dry dog food, especially once opened.

    Pros
    • Has 23 essential vitamins
    • Comprehensive nutrient profile
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Perishable
    • Limited flavors

    3. Hill’s Science Diet Savory Beef Stew Dog Food

    Hill's Science Diet Savory Beef Stew Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Water, Beef, Pork Liver, Brown Rice
    Protein Content: 3.5% min
    Fat Content: 2.2% min
    Calories: 327 kcal/12.8 oz can

    The Adult 7+ Savory Stew by Hill’s Science is another tasty beef meal that’s made with real beef. It includes brown rice and a number of different vegetables that are smothered in a flavorful brown gravy. The recipe contains all the minerals and vitamins needed for mature dogs and is also formulated to help support its digestive system. So, if your dog has issues with regularity or simply loves the taste of beef, this meal is definitely the one to check out.  The downside is that it’s not suitable for pups and is perishable once opened.

    Pros
    • Contains real beef
    • Tasty brown gravy
    • Full nutrient profile
    Cons
    • Not ideal for pups
    • Perishable

    4. Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry
    Protein Content: 26% min
    Fat Content: 16% min
    Calories: 3,752 kcal/kg

    This shredded beef and rice meal is another good beef dog food. It’s perfect for all dog breeds and is formulated specifically for adult dogs. It’s not only tender but it also has a wide spectrum of nutrients and vitamins. For example, it’s complete with vitamin A, and omega-6 fatty acids to help dogs maintain a healthy coat and skin.

    It also comes fortified with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for immune health and digestive support–something that older dogs may need. If you’re looking for a well-balanced beef recipe for your dog, here is one to consider. Purina is a dependable brand and the price for this meal is comparable to other brands’ dry beef meals.

    Pros
    • High-protein beef
    • Antioxidants and minerals
    • Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
    Cons
    • Can be pricey
    • Not for restricted diets

    5. Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Patties

    Stella & Chewy's Perfectly Puppy Patties

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Salmon with Ground Bone, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney
    Protein Content: 46.0% min
    Fat Content: 34.5% min
    Calories: 4,828 kcal/kg; 36 kcal/patty

    Here is a high-protein meal that will give your pup all of the protein that it needs for the day. This formula is made with a number of different minerals and vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and B, all of which can help build up your dog’s immune system.

    And because puppies can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, the meal is free of antibiotics, hormones, and additives. It also includes chia seeds for healthy skin and coat and green mussels for joint support. The downside is that this food is perishable and more expensive than other options.

    Pros
    • Immune system support
    • High-protein recipe
    • Chia seeds and green mussels
    Cons
    • Meal is freeze-dried
    • Perishable
    • Expensive

    6. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Beef & Rice

    Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Beef & Rice

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal,
    Protein Content: 29% min
    Fat Content: 14% min
    Calories: 420 kcal/cup

    Here is another meal that’s part of the 7+ Complete Essentials series by Purina. It simply doesn’t get any better when it comes to beef-based dry food recipes. This meal plan includes real beef that helps support heart health and the kibble is tender enough for older dogs that may have bite issues.

    It’s also full of omega fatty acids for mobility and joint health. Not to mention it has prebiotic fibers to support a healthy gut microbe. The downside is that it’s not for puppies and some dogs may not like the flavor.

    Pros
    • High-protein meal
    • Has glucosamine and EPA
    • Contains omega fatty acids
    • Supports digestive health
    Cons
    • Not for pups
    • Some dogs may not like the flavor

    7. Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Canned Dog Food

    Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Canned Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Liver
    Protein Content: 9.0% min
    Fat Content: 2.0% mi
    Calories: 988 kcal/kg, 99 kcal/bowl

    Some dogs are sensitive to grains. And if this is your dog, this organic beef-based meal may be the perfect fit. It’s made with free-range, grass-fed beef and contains no hormones or antibiotics. It also includes organic produce such as peas, carrots, and spinach.

    This meal is completely free of artificial preservatives, gluten and wheat, and it contains no corn or soy products. If you’re looking for an organic, sustainable meal for a small breed dog, this meal may be worth a try. However, it is perishable and pricey.

    Pros
    • Contains organic produce
    • Great for pups
    • Wheat, corn, soy-free
    Cons
    • Perishable
    • Pricey

    8. Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Wet Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Sport High Protein Wet Dog Food

     

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Liver, Meat By-Products, Chicken
    Protein Content: 10% min
    Fat Content: 7.5% min
    Calories: 470 kcal/cup, 1,278 kcal/kg

    Made with real beef, this satiating meal by Purina seems to be a pup favorite. Beef is first on its list of ingredients, and it also contains chicken, rice, and a few different vegetables. This formula is made to support cognitive development and it’s perfect for growing puppies.

    The recipe also has 23 essential vitamins and minerals to support daily nutrition and it’s free of flavors, artificial colors, and preservatives. If you have an active puppy or adult dog that loves wet food, be sure to take a closer look at this recipe.

    Pros
    • Contains real beef
    • Good price point
    • Has 23 essential vitamins
    Cons
    • A bit pricey
    • Perishable

    9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Beef Stew Grain-Free

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew Hearty Beef Stew Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Chicken
    Protein Content: 8.5% min
    Fat Content: 3.0% min
    Calories: 917 kcal/kg, 325 kcal/can

    This beef stew recipe by Blue Buffalo is one of its most popular meals. It’s great for all breeds and ideal for adult dogs. It can be combined with dry food, or you can use it as a single meal. This wet food meal is free of any gluten, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors. It contains enough protein for daily supplementation and is a wholesome option for healthy dogs and those recovering from illness.

    Pros
    • Receives great reviews
    • Contains fruits & veggies
    • Comprehensive nutrient profile
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Limited flavor options

    10. True Acre Foods Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

    True Acre Foods Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Dry Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal
    Protein Content: 24% min
    Fat Content: 13% min
    Calories: 3424 kcal/kg or 349 kcal/cup

    The beef and veggie dry meal by True Acre makes our list due to its quality ingredients and moderate price point. This meal is made with US-raised beef and includes farm-grown veggies such as carrots and peas. It offers a complete and well-balanced nutritional profile, and the kibble is small enough for puppies.

    The formula is also full of antioxidants and contains natural fibers to support easy digestion. It has a simple formula, omega fatty acids, and protein, and is free of artificial colors and flavors. Also contains no corn, wheat, or grain products.

    Pros
    • High-protein formula
    • Well-balanced meal
    • Antioxidants & omega fatty acids
    • Free of additives
    Cons
    • Limited flavor
    • Not for restricted diets

    11. Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Dry Dog Food

    Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Dry Dog Food

    Main Ingredients: New: Beef, Beef Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn, Grain Sorghum
    Protein Content: 25%
    Fat Content: 14%
    Calories: 3508 kcal/kg, 326 kcal/cup

    This beef dry dog food by Rachael Ray is a surprise for pet owners and a favorite of their pups. It’s a complete nutritional powerhouse and helps support lean muscle mass and healthy cognitive functions. It’s made without artificial preservatives, fillers, or gluten and it contains no by-products.

    This dry food is a high-protein formula that’s perfect for high-energy dogs. The meal is also full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and it contains brown rice and peas to supply enough fiber for regularity.

    Pros
    • Protein & fiber-rich
    • Contains Omega fatty acids
    • Promotes regularity
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Limited flavors

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    Wrapping Up

    So that sums up our best beef dog food picks. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Beef Dog Food is our number #1 pick for its nutrients and price. Our budget pick is Purina Pro Plan High Protein Pate, Beef & Rice which is a popular wet food high-protein meal that dogs seem to love.

    Third, we have Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetable wet food by Hill’s Science, which is a high-quality wet food option for all adult breeds.


    Featured Image Credit: thefarmersdog.com

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